Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Among Native Americans: Reviewing Equity in Cardiovascular Care

Native Americans face significant disparities in cardiovascular health, including access to and outcomes of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Native Americans exhibit comparable in-hospital mortality rates to Whites for acute coronary syndromes (ACS) but face delayed presentations and lower rates of timely interventions such as angiography and revascularization. Geographic isolation, limited PCI-capable facilities, and underfunded healthcare systems significantly contribute to these disparities. Furthermore, comorbid conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and obesity are disproportionately prevalent, compounding adverse outcomes. There is a need to evaluate PCI outcomes and identify disparities in access and care among Native Americans while highlighting the need for targeted interventions. This review synthesizes data on PCI utilization and outcomes in Native American populations, focusing on unique risk profiles, systemic barriers, and comparative analyses with other racial and ethnic groups. In conclusion, evidence-based recommendations are proposed to address healthcare inequities while promoting PCI to reduce heart attacks in Native American populations.